The Scottsdale City Council has approved a plan to increase pay for some of the city’s most essential employees — those working in police communications and water operations and maintenance — in a move aimed at combating chronic staffing shortages and improving service reliability.
Under Resolution No. 13533, the council unanimously supported a proposal from City Manager Greg Caton to implement market-based compensation adjustments for dispatchers and water operations personnel. The changes take effect Nov. 2 and are designed to keep Scottsdale competitive with neighboring municipalities that have recently raised wages to attract skilled professionals.
A city review found persistent vacancy rates of 36% in police communications and 14% in water operations, putting pressure on existing staff and service delivery.
The plan will raise salary ranges for several key positions and create a Police Communications Trainer classificationto strengthen recruitment, retention, and onboarding efforts. Officials say the pay adjustments will bring Scottsdale’s compensation in line with top regional agencies, one of which recently filled all dispatcher positions after similar changes.
City leaders emphasized that the initiative reflects their commitment to maintaining excellence in public safety and critical infrastructure.
Caton said the council’s actions demonstrate a clear priority: “Backing up our commitment to public safety, reliability, and service excellence with meaningful action that supports our employees and our community.”
Full details of the compensation adjustments and Resolution No. 13533 are available on the City of Scottsdale’s website.
